Glyburide (Oral)

Glyburide is a prescription drug that lowers high levels of blood sugar for patients with type 2 diabetes - it helps avoid health issues due to high blood sugar.

Glyburide is a diabetes medication to be taken orally that treats high blood sugar levels for patients with type 2 diabetes.

Overview

This medication treats high levels of blood sugar triggered by a kind of sugar diabetes (diabetes mellitus), also known as type 2 diabetes. While in the state of type 2 diabetes, the body cannot work correctly to supply additional sugar that is residual in the bloodstream. Severe future health issues can be triggered by chronic instances of high blood sugar.

Glyburide helps the pancreas to discharge more insulin into the bloodstream. This prescription can be taken by itself or in addition to another type of oral medication (metformin, for example).

A healthy diet should be the initial step for any patient looking to manage their type 2 diabetes. Medications can also be beneficial for healing the body, but this medication is intended for the emergency care of low blood sugar levels only. This prescription should never be used for routine maintenance of the condition. Symptoms of low blood sugar can be difficulty concentrating, irritability, tremor, sweating, weakness, hunger and headache. In addition to using this medication for emergency situations, other sources of sugar are orange juice, hard candy, glucose tablets or milk.

This medication is not intended for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. Patients with ketoacidosis should not take this medication and should instead contact their physician regarding treatment advice.

This medication can only be obtained with a valid prescription from your physician. It is currently available in tablet form. Glyburide is manufactured under the US brands Micronase, Glynase Pres-Tab, Glycron, Diabeta and the Canadian brand Euglucon.

Condition treated

High blood sugar caused by type 2 diabetes

Type of medicine

Sulfonylureas

Side effects

In addition to necessary benefits, medications can also trigger side effects that can sometimes be undesirable. While it is not common for each one of the following side effects to occur, they could necessitate medical care if they do happen.

Consult with your physician right away if you notice any of the side effects below taking place.

Seek emergency medical assistance right away if you experience any of the below overdose symptoms of glyburide.

Overdose Symptoms

Anxiety

Cold sweats

Pale, cool skin

Hunger increase

Nervousness

Nightmares

Shakiness

Speech slurred

Other side effects could take place that typically do not require medical care. These particular side effects could disappear throughout the course of treatment as you become more accustomed to the medication. Also, your doctor can inform you of additional methods of prevention or how to lower the occurrence rate of certain side effects. Consult with your physician if any of the side effects below become troublesome or if you have concerns regarding them.

Additional side effects of glyburide that were not included above could also take place for some patients. If other side effects are experienced, please consult with your physician.

Contact your medical professional regarding medical assistance for side effects of glyburide. The FDA also accepts side effect reports, they can be reached by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.

Dosage

Carefully abide by the unique meal schedule your physician designed for you. Your health is the most imperative and controllable aspect of your condition, and glyburide cannot work properly without a healthy diet. In addition, regular exercise must take place for patients and they should test sugar levels in urine and blood as instructed.

Patients must use the exact brand of glyburide that their physician prescribed for them. Other brands may have variations in dosage amounts or may have inconsistencies in its effectiveness.

Various patients will be given a unique dose tailored to their individual health needs. Always follow the instructions provided by your doctor regarding how to take glyburide, or follow the instructions on the medication label. The information included here only described average doses of glyburide. Do not adjust your dose even if it differs from the information below.

The quantity of medication you are prescribed will depend directly on how strong the medication is. In addition, the total number of doses you are to take each day, how much time is allotted between each dose, and the total duration for which the medication is taken will be contingent on the medical issue for which you are prescribed the medication.

For treatment of type 2 diabetes

Oral (tablet) form

Adults should initially take 2.5 to 5 milligrams once daily with the first meal of the day. Your physician may decide to change how much medication you are prescribed if needed. Although, the total dose is not typically greater than 20 mg daily.

Children under age 18: Physician must determine dosage information.

Oral (micronized tablets) form

Adults should take glyburide with breakfast (1.5 to 3 milligrams initially). Your physician can adjust your dose as required. The total dose per day is not typically greater than 12 mg.

Children under age 18: Physician must determine safety and effectiveness prior to determining the dose.

If a dose of this medication is missed, it must be taken as quickly the patient remembers that it was missed. However, if it is nearer to the scheduled next dose, the missed dose should remain skipped and you should return to the original dosing timeframe. Never double a dose of glyburide.

Interactions

Some medications should not ever be combined. In unique circumstances, however, two medications may be combined even if there is a likelihood of interaction taking place. During these circumstances, your physician could adjust the dose for either medication, or they may choose to take additional precautions for your safety.

While on glyburide, it is imperative that your physician is aware if you are already taking any of the drugs included below. The interactions listed here have been chosen due to the high likelihood of significant interaction. This list is not all-inclusive.

Taking glyburide with the medication below is not suggested. Your physician may choose not to prescribe glyburide or they may adjust other prescriptions you may be taking.

Bosentan

Taking glyburide with the medications below is not typically suggested, but certain unique circumstances may require the combination. If the two medications are prescribed simultaneously, your physician may adjust the dose or frequency for either or both drugs.

Tosufloxacin

Thioctic Acid

Sparfloxacin

Simeprevir

Rufloxacin

Prulifloxacin

Pefloxacin

Pazufloxacin

Pasireotide

Ofloxacin

Octreotide

Norfloxacin

Nadifloxacin

Moxifloxacin

Metreleptin

Lomefloxacin

Lixisenatide

Levofloxacin

Lanreotide

Gemifloxacin

Gatifloxacin

Flumequine

Fleroxacin

Entacapone

Enoxacin

Dulaglutide

Disopyramide

Ciprofloxacin

Besifloxacin

Balofloxacin

Aspirin

Acarbose

Patients who take glyburide with any medication below could experience a heightened chance of some side effects, however, use of this treatment could be the best option for you. If you are prescribed both drugs, your physician may reduce the total dose or frequency of dosage for either medication or both in certain circumstances.

Warfarin

Voriconazole

Tranylcypromine

Timolol

Sotalol

Selegiline

Safinamide

Rifapentine

Rifampin

Rasagiline

Psyllium

Propranolol

Procarbazine

Practolol

Pindolol

Phenelzine

Penbutolol

Oxprenolol

Nialamide

Nebivolol

Nadolol

Moclobemide

Metoprolol

Metipranolol

Methylene Blue

Linezolid

Levobunolol

Labetalol

Isocarboxazid

Iproniazid

Glucomannan

Gemfibrozil

Furazolidone

Fluvastatin

Fenugreek

Esmolol

Cyclosporine

Colesevelam

Clarithromycin

Celiprolol

Carvedilol

Carteolol

Bitter Melon

Bisoprolol

Betaxolol

Atenolol

Acebutolol

Some prescriptions should not be taken near eating or drinking as there is a higher likelihood that interactions can take place. This can also occur if patients ingest tobacco or alcohol with specific medications. Interactions below have been chosen due to probable significance and the list is not completely all-inclusive.

It is not suggested to take glyburide with the following medication, but certain circumstances may require it. If combined, your physician will likely adjust the dose or frequency for the medication, or they may offer you additional instructions regarding how tobacco, alcohol or food impacts the usefulness of this medication.

Ethanol

Patients with other medical issues may experience impacts in the usefulness of glyburide. Be sure to inform your physician if you have additional medical issues, specifically:

Alcohol intoxication

Adrenal glands underactive

Pituitary glands underactive

Malnourished or undernourished

Declining physical condition

Any type of condition that triggers low blood sugar ' take caution, patients may have a higher likelihood of developing low blood sugar while on this medication

Ketones within blood (diabetic ketoacidosis)

Fever

Infection

Surgery

Type 1 diabetes '“ patients with type 1 diabetes should not take glyburide

Trauma ' these issues could cause blood sugar control issues (short-term) and insulin may be required temporarily

Enzyme issues including deficiency in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase ' take caution; this medication could trigger a disorder of the blood (hemolytic anemia)

Heart disease ' take caution, condition can be made worse

Kidney disease

Liver disease '“ take caution, side effects could be increased due to slower excretion of the drug from the body

Warnings

It is highly imperative that your physician monitors your reaction to glyburide and overall progress to ensure that the medication is effective and is working as it should. Your physician may require blood tests to ensure there are no undesired side effects taking place.

Patients must cautiously follow all directions given by your physician regarding:

Counseling'Additional members of the family also need to be aware of proper methods of preventing side effects, or even helping the impacts if they take place. In addition, patients who have diabetes could require unique diabetes counseling regarding medication dosing changes that could take place due to changes in lifestyle (diet and exercise changes, in particular). Pregnancy and contraception counseling could be required due to the many issues that could take place for patients who have diabetes and are pregnant.

Travel'Be sure to take a copy of your medical history and recent prescription history. Always prepare for emergency conditions as you typically would. Remember to allow enough time for time zone changes, attempt to keep mealtimes at the normal time you eat. If this is not possible, try to eat as close to your normal mealtime as you can.

Emergency help ' Diabetes occasionally causes issues that require emergency care. Each of these emergencies must be prepared for. Patients should always wear a bracelet that is a medical identification card or chain on the neck. It would also be wise to have an ID card in your purse or wallet stating that you are a patient of diabetes and a summary of each medication you are taking.

Consult with your physician immediately if you begin to experience chest discomfort or pain, shortness of breath, discomfort or pain in the arms, back, neck, or jaw, vomiting, sweating or nausea while taking glyburide. These could be signs of a severe heart issue, possibly a heart attack.

An excess of glyburide can trigger hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when under particular conditions. Signs of hypoglycemia should be treated prior to them causing the patient to pass out, or become unconscious. Different individuals may experience varied symptoms of low blood sugar. It is highly imperative that you become familiar with which signs of low blood sugar you typically have that way you are able to remedy it fast. Contact someone who is on your medical care team immediately if you ever need medical advice.

In addition, confirm that your blood has low blood sugar. This medication is intended for emergency circumstances in which serious conditions, such as convulsions (seizures) or unconsciousness may take place. Always have a kit nearby with glucagon and a needle or syringe, and be aware of proper use. Family members living with you should also be aware of how to use the glucagon kit in case of emergency.

Patients should not take glyburide if they are already taking Tracleer® (bosentan). In addition, ensure your physician is aware of other medications you may be taking for your diabetes diagnosis, including insulin.

For your safety, please inform your physician if you have ever experienced unusual reactions to any type of medication, including glyburide. Also inform your medical care professional if you have allergies of any kind, including to animals, preservatives, dyes, or foods. For products that are not approved by your physician beforehand (non-prescription medications), always read the medication container ingredients label cautiously.

Adequate research has not yet been conducted as to how younger aged patients react to glyburide. It has not yet been determined if this medication is both effective and safe for children.

Current research performed recently has not yet identified issues that are specific to the elderly population that could limit the effectiveness of glyburide for older people. However, people who are elderly tend to have more issues that are age-related, such as kidney or liver issues. Elderly patients could require a lower dose if they are prescribed glyburide.

Either this medication has revealed a negative effect in animals and similar research has not yet been conducted in women who are pregnant; or, research in animals and pregnant women has not taken place.

Research has not yet been conducted to find out if there is a risk to the infant when women who are breastfeeding take glyburide. Mothers should compare the possible benefits against the possible dangers prior to taking glyburide while breastfeeding.

Storage

This medication must be stored in a sealed container and should be kept at room temperature. Glyburide must be stored away from freezing, moisture or heated conditions. Also, keep glyburide out of direct sunlight as direct light can also alter the chemical composition of this medication.

Ensure this medication is always kept far out of children's reach. Never keep prescriptions or medications that are expired or no longer required for treatment. Consult with your physician to find out how to best dispose of unused medications.

Summary

Glyburide treats high levels of sugar within the bloodstream. It is a prescription medication that is only prescribed for patients with type 2 diabetes. Severe future health issues can be triggered by chronic instances of high blood sugar, which is why it is important to ensure regularity of blood sugar. This medication aids the pancreas in the discharge of more insulin into the bloodstream.

The information contained on this website is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Consultation with your doctor or healthcare professional is advised regarding any usage of this site. In the event of an emergency call 911.